Ready to Try Some Yoga? 8 Important Tips for Beginning Yoga Success

Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that connect the mind, body, and spirit. Personally, it is one of my favorite ways in which I center myself and it never fails to leave me feeling amazing after. If you are new to yoga, these eight tips will start you on the road to a more centered life.

8 important Tips for beginning Yoga Success

1.You should always talk to your doctor first before starting any new exercise

You should talk to your doctor to rule out any health issues. You can explain to him what variation of yoga style or type of yoga poses you intend to practice. If you have a specific condition, your doctor may be able to give you guidelines on which poses are safe for you and which are not. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations.

2. Catch a yoga class that best fits your abilities.

One way to do this is by talking to the Yoga teacher beforehand. This way you can gain an insight on how the class will be and if you can handle the program before you sign up. It is important that you do not rush into things. There are many different types of yoga and it is best to start with a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigorous styles of yoga. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide whether or not you can handle a program before you sign up. It’s very important to take it one step at a time. Don’t move ahead too quickly. Allow your body to adjust to your exercises.

3. Pay attention to your body

Listen to your body. I cannot emphasize this enough. If your body is telling you take a break then take a break. If a certain yoga pose seems too difficult for your current abilities, no need to worry. A good teacher will always give you modifications. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don’t allow anyone to push you to fast into something you aren’t comfortable with. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.

4.You can always practice at home

If you are finding it difficult to find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. You can find many books, programs, and tapes available to help you take the first steps. You can always do a simple search for videos online and you will find that many people have posted easy beginning yoga flows that you can do at your convenience.

If you are completely new to yoga, I wouldn’t always recommend this because it is easy to get the poses mixed up. With the supervision of a teacher, they can be there to correct your poses if needed.

5. Why not try private lessons?

One-on-one sessions can be a wonderful option, especially if you are a beginner. Most yoga teachers offer private classes. You can ask a yoga teacher in your area to teach you privately and this way they can customize the class to best fit your needs. This is a great way to get started and learn the basics if you are completely new to yoga. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you’ve had private lessons and learned the basics.

6. Find a yoga buddy.

It’s always nice to practice with someone who will keep you motivated and vice versa. This is a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and spark your interest.

7. Eat small and light before practicing.

You should wait at least two hours after meals before you participate in your yoga class. If needed, you can have a light snack but it is not recommended. An empty stomach is best, but don’t let yourself get too hungry to think. Otherwise, you won’t be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

8. Don’t forget to drink water

It is essential that you drink enough water to stay hydrated. Many yoga practices recommend that you drink your water before and after the practice. It is not recommended to drink the majority of your water during practice. Try to drink throughout the day to ensure you stay well hydrated.

Now it’s time to grab your mat and a towel and start feeling the benefits of your yoga practice.